James Ford, 26, was high on drink and drugs when he swerved into the path of the car driven by John Miller, 81, fatally injuring him

A motorist who swerved into the path of a Vauxhall Corsa driven by an 81-year-old had drunk alcohol and taken cocaine and cannabis before he got behind the wheel, a court heard.

James Ford, 26, has been jailed for just four years and nine months after admitting causing retired policeman John Miller's death after he smashed into him in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire.

The court heard how Ford, from Silverdale, seemed worried about getting points on his driving licence in the immediate aftermath of the smash which left fitness fanatic Mr Miller, 81, of Knutton, fatally injured.

Mr Miller, who played football for his local team until he was 70, died five days after the crash, which happened shortly after 11pm on 1 December 2012.

Ford left the Great National Hotel in Clayton, where he had been drinking with friends, and was driving round a bend in Milehouse Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyume when he lost control as he drove between 30-40mph and ploughed into Mr Miller.

Prosecutor David Bennett said: 'A
taxi driver saw the Fiat travelling at some speed. It swerved and went
on the wrong side of the road.

'There was a significant collision with the Corsa.

'The
defendant got out and screamed in pain as he tried to walk. He seemed
to show concern that he was going to lose his licence.

'Paramedics arrived and the defendant was given morphine. Mr Miller was trapped and unconscious. The roof had to be cut away and he was taken to hospital.'